Included in the Specialized File Handler Add-On, BIM file preview makes it possible to view file extensions commonly found in modeling applications from Architecture, Engineering, and Construction industries.
Native software licenses for the respective applications are not required to view these files in Egnyte.
Supported File Types
Domains that have this feature enabled should be able to view the following file types directly in Egnyte’s WebUI. The maximum supported file size for each file type is included.
|
File Extension |
Maximum File Size (MB) |
| .dgn | 50 |
| .dwf | 50 |
| .dwg | 150 |
| .dxf | 50 |
| .ifc | 400 |
| .rvt | 400 |
| .rfa | 50 |
| .nwd | 50 |
| .nwc | 50 |
| .stl | 50 |
| .stp | 50 |
| .step | 50 |
| .obj | 400 |
BIM File Preview in the Web
To view the supported BIM file extensions using Egnyte’s BIM file preview feature, navigate to your Egnyte WebUI and click the file link.
If the supported file type is larger than 10MB, it will be preprocessed upon upload and will immediately begin downloading the file as shown in the screenshot below.
If the file is less than 10MB, the file will be processed upon opening for preview and will display an Analyzing file message.
The user will be informed that the transcoding process has started and they can navigate away from the file preview. The transcoding process will continue in the background and the user will receive an Egnyte notification when it is complete.
The file does not need to be transcoded each time it is opened for preview. If the file has recently been viewed in Egnyte or when the file finishes transcoding, the file will jump directly to downloading. Once the download has completed, the file will render in the preview.
Notifications
When the file transcoding process completes, the user will receive 2 types of notifications within Egnyte’s WebUI.
1. The user will receive a notification from the bell icon in the upper right corner of the WebUI. If successful, this will include a link that will allow the user to open the file directly in the preview.
2. A pop-up notification will appear that will inform the user the file is ready for preview. If successful, this notification also includes a link to open the file directly in the preview.
Web UI Toolbar
After successfully viewing one of the supported file extensions, the toolbar available in the preview includes three unique functions.
Orbit - Users can rotate a file on any axis to view the file from different angles. This is most commonly used for 3D files.
Zoom - Unlike PDF preview, zoom in and zoom out are consolidated into a single icon.
Measure - If properly calibrated within the native file, a user can click and drag to measure between two points directly within the file itself.
BIM File Preview from Mobile (iOS & Android)
Egnyte’s mobile applications support .dwg and .dxf files on both iOS & Android as well as .dgn on Android devices. To view one of these files from Egnyte’s mobile applications, begin by selecting a file for preview in the listing view. Once the file is opened, the user can select the hand control to move the object on the screen with a finger and the orbit control to turn the object around. Pinching can be used to zoom in and out the object on the screen.
Users who want to preview these files within the Egnyte mobile apps will need to download a special plugin. They will be prompted to do so (1) when the app is updated to version 8.34 and the feature is enabled on their plan, and (2) when the user tries to preview a file and the plugin hasn’t been installed previously.
BIM File Preview from Desktop
BIM file preview is supported from the desktop application via the WebUI. After locating the file that you wish to preview in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac), right click on the file and locate the View in Cloud option. Selecting this option will open the file in the web browser directly from your desktop application.
Limitations
- Users can transcode up to 5 files simultaneously in the WebUI
- The ability to render a preview in the mobile app is dependent on the file complexity and may be limited or unavailable for which contain numerous references to other files. The size of the file may also impact the preview experience.